Scrap the tourist tax to boost UK's economy says royals' favourite handbag designer Strathberry Scots brand loved by the Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle has joined calls for the return of tax-free shopping for overseas tourists Strathberry unites with Britain’s biggest retailers to demand Chancellor Rachel Reeves resumes the shopping refund Click here to visit the Scotland home page for the latest news and sport By Georgia Edkins, Scottish Political Editor Published: 20:20 BST, 26 October 2024 | Updated: 20:24 BST, 26 October 2024 e-mail 1 View comments A luxury Scottish handbag brand loved by the Princess of Wales and Meghan Markle has joined calls for the return of tax-free shopping for overseas tourists in a bid to boost the economy. Ahead of the UK Government ’s Budget on Wednesday, Strathberry has united with some of Britain’s biggest retailers to demand Chancellor Rachel Reeves resumes the shopping refund, which removes VAT from purchases made by visitors while they are on holiday here. It comes after more than 300 businesses, including John Lewis , Estee Lauder and Kurt Geiger, last week wrote to Ms Reeves calling for the resumption of the VAT-free shopping scheme, which they hope will boost economic growth.
Last night Strathberry got behind The Mail’s campaign to reinstate the perk, saying it made the UK ‘a more compelling destination for international clients’. The Edinburgh-based co-founder of Strathberry, Leeanne Hundleby – whose bags shot to prom.